Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Gesunde Pflanzen, cilt.75, sa.6, ss.2579-2590, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)
This study aimed to determine the morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of eggplant to combined drought and salt stress, which are likely to be seen together in the regions where it is grown. For this purpose, plants were exposed to individual drought (60% FC), salt stresses (50 mM NaCl), and combined stresses (60% FC and 50 mM NaCl). The lowest values in shoot/root fresh weights, shoot length, and RWC were observed under combined stress. However, significant increases were noted in chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), chlorophyll a + b (Chl a + b), and carotenoid contents. Ca2+ and K+ accumulations decreased significantly under all stress conditions. The most losses were detected grown under combined stress due to the increase in the accumulation of Na+. Anthocyanin and total phenolics as secondary metabolites with proline, responded more to combined stress than drought and salt stresses alone. Significant increases were observed in MDA and H2O2, which are the indicators of oxidative damage, and in SOD, CAT, and GR antioxidant enzyme activities, which reduce oxidative damage. The results showed that the simultaneous drought and salt stress tolerance of eggplant seedlings was closely related to secondary metabolites and enzyme activities. The information obtained will shed light on the studies to be carried out to increase the tolerance ability of eggplant to simultaneous drought and salt stresses.